H2O, the newest iteration of the Berkman Center's courseware has finally been released to the world. Jonathan Zittrain's announcement includes a description of some features. Having logged many hours coding earlier versions of this software (before the professionals came) and helped teach a handful of classes with it, I am very glad to have a version out in the wide open. Congratulations to Berkman!

Farechase’s conduct has forced American to attempt self help.American time and resources have been dedicated to creating andimplementing technological barriers in an attempt to blockunauthorized users of Farechase software from accessing theAA.com computer system. Such actions by American to block havebeen circumvented by FareChase’s intentional inclusion in itssoftware of a “masking” feature by which the software disguises itsidentity so that American is unable to determine who is gainingaccess without authorization thereby preventing American fromblocking all unauthorized access by the Farechase software.

This case will be one I am watching. FareChase has solid customers (including Sabre) and may have the stomach for a fight. I will try to post an update here as I learn more about their technology and get my hands on the pleadings.

Update: Denise Howell's firm represents FareChase and she is blogging the injunction. She quotes a colleague: "At [American Airlines]'s request, the court has, by this order, created a new property right not only for AA but for all large companies with Internet Web sites: the right to monopolize forever public information."